
`SERVICES MENU`	`Crystal River`
`Location and History...` `Contacting Us...` `Return to Homepage`
	`Jeep Tours`

GUIDED TOURS DESCRIPTION AND PRICING

For an adventure off the beaten path, come to the Marble area with its mining past, historic towns and dramatic mountain scenery. We operate well maintained, heavy duty Jeeps and our tour guides are all experienced off-road drivers with a broad knowledge of the history and geography of the area, and trained annually in CPR and first aid procedures. We recommend you bring a coat or wind breaker, hat, water, tennis shoes or hiking boots, insect repellent, sun block, and that you dress in layers. Don't forget your brown bag lunch if the tour requires it. Don't forget your wallet for the Crystal Store and Crystal Tale Books. Our vehicles are open Jeeps equipped with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, ponchos and a tarp for safety and protection. Weather at high altitudes is unpredictable -- mountain storms form with little notice (our tours range from 8000 to 11000 feet elevation). Storage is limited - small 12-pack sized coolers and day packs only please (each Jeep is also equipped with one small cooler (24 pack) and ice packs if you do not have your own). Be prepared for a rocking, dusty ride over the same trail our fore-bearers blazed when they settled the area. Above all, do not forget your camera and binoculars. All tours depart from Marble. We recommend you arrive 15 minutes early to make payment, sign waivers and get loaded in your Jeep. Note that we DO NOT transport pets.
Scroll down for tour options and pricing.

Reservations recommended. Walk-ins are welcome.

For reservations call (970) 963-1991

Open from May 24 until November 30. Depending on snow melt and snow build up.

Oct/Nov by reservation only.

Prices do not include taxes.

TOUR OPTIONS

(Tour Map) (Tour Photos) (Rules, Regulations and Policies)

All Tours: We DO NOT allow car seats or pets. In response to the Covid19 pandemic our pricing structure has changed.
All Tours: Our pricing now allows for private tours.

	Crystal Tour
	$500.00 (1 to 5 passengers) Departure Time: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Duration: 3 hours	This tour takes you to the historic Crystal Mill and Crystal City, 20 minute stops at each site. Your Jeep will traverse the mountain road blazed by settlers in the late 1800's, which is still in about the same condition. See Lizard Lake, overlook the Crystal River from the shelf roads, see natural spring water falls, wildlife, the Sheep Mountain cliffs towering 2000 feet above and the unmatched beauty of the Upper Crystal River Valley.

	Lead King Basin Loop Tour
	$800.00 (1 to 4 passengers) Departure Time: 10:00 am Duration: 5 hours	This 18 mile, 10,500 foot summit, loop tour includes incredible wildflower covered alpine meadows, panoramic views of the valley and peaks, 20 minute stops at Silver Creek, Coors Falls (lunch stop), Crystal City, and the historic Crystal Mill. The road borders the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness area in the White River National Forest. Brown bag lunch recommended.

Smitty's Special Tour

Crystal River
Jeep Tours: Silver Creek Trailhead

Photography Tour (up to 3 passengers)

(Please call for rates.)

Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 7 hours

The Lead King Loop tour on steroids. Bring your tripod!
Ride in our ATV with Smitty.
Numerous photo stops, plus experience a side trip to the Devils Punchbowl, time permitting.
Brown bag lunch recommended.

Sheep Mountain Tour

Crystal River
Jeep Tours: Crystal City from Inspiration Point

(Please call for rates.)

Departure Time: 10:00 am
Duration: 5 hours

Sheep Mountain is a ridge that extends 4 miles up the valley, peaking at 11,500 feet.
From the summit we will take you on moderate hikes to Inspiration Point (overlooking Crystal City, the Old Mill, and Lead King Basin), and the narrow west ridge overlooking the Lower Crystal River Valley at Marble, and the numerous peaks surrounding the valley.
A panoramic view of the Crystal River Valley.
Brown bag lunch recommended.

	Drop-off and Pick-up
	Note: 2 Passenger minimum. Trailhead: Lost Trail: $75.00 per person Silver Creek: $150.00 per person Geneva Lake:$200.00 per person Camping: Call	Transportation for photography, camping, hiking, and outdoorsmen. We will drop you off at the trailhead or campsite, and comeback and get you at a prearranged time. We do not use Jeeps for this service. We are currently using a 6-seat ATV, 4 passenger max. This service is offered only with an early morning departure and late afternoon pick-up. Call for confirmation and rates. Bring your gear, we will get you there and back. One overnight backpack per passenger. Other baggage additional charge.

	Other Services
	Additional time: $60.00 per hour per person. Custom Tours: Call Groups: Call	Groups: 10% discount for groups of more than 10.

WHEN TO COME

	Spring -- June to July	Early June the road to Crystal will have only recently opened. The Lead King loop may or may not be open early. The river, creeks and falls will be running high and fast, shedding the runoff from the previous winters snow fall. You will see alpine wild flowers beginning to bloom, including Columbine, the state flower. The mountain peaks will still have heavy snow fields on their summits. Late June through July the alpine flowers will be in full bloom, carpeting the hillside on the Lead King Basin loop as we skirt the wilderness area. The river will be running clear as crystal, back to a normal flow. The road to Sheep Mountain will have opened allowing unprecedented views of the upper valley. Much of the high mountain snow will be melting. Throughout the spring season the climate will be cool mornings and evenings, and temperate days with daily rain showers. Note that opening day depends on the snow melt.
	Summer -- July to September	July through early August the flora and fauna of the area will be in full swing reproducing and reestablishing itself in hopes of surviving the winter soon to follow. In August the fall perenial flowers will still be blooming. In September you may experience snow flurries in the high country and the trees may be turning colors preparing for autumn which generally begins mid-September. Prime fishing begins as the waters recede. Rains are generally short showers.
	Autumn -- September to October	Mid-September to early October see the autumn colors in the Rockies. The Crystal River valley is among the top areas in the state for fall colors. Gold and red-tinged aspen groves, russet oak, orange mountain ash, green pines and more. Rain, mixed with sleet or snow, could occur anytime. Dress warmly in layers.
	Winter -- October to November	Tours during this period are dependent on snowfall and road conditions to Crystal City. We chain up all four tires and the road is actually smoother because the snow packs down over the rocks. We will not put tops on the Jeeps, dress accordingly. We highly recommend you call ahead during this period, because if there are no tour reservations we will shut down for the season.

CRJT VEHICLES

2015	2015 Jeep Wrangler (Silver) 5 passengers.
2008	2008 Jeep Wrangler (Blue) 5 passengers.
	2007 Jeep Wrangler (Red) 5 passengers. Big Red has oversize tires for clearance and a custom third seat for additional passengers. Red is our smoothest, most comfortable Jeep.

CRJT DRIVERS

PUC ORC00214